Laura Murray Designs

Telephone: 612-669-6743

Mailing address:
5021 15th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55417

Current Newsletter

February 2012

The satisfaction, and pleasure, that comes from the creative process is very important to my well-being. Last week, a student came up at the end of my Painted Block class and shared a very poignant moment that brought tears to both of us. The class was the first creative thing she had done for the past year while battling breast cancer. Her beautiful block is tangible evidence of her victory.

I love quilt and sewing shows because they renew our creativity, and stimulate inspiration and enthusiasm for new projects. Yes, life happens, but it’s also important to make room for creativity. Seize the moment, because we never know what might be just around the corner…..

~ Laura

Basket Bag

Linda Lindsay’s new Basket Bag pattern features a variety of fabric weaving techniques. My sample uses fabric embellished with paintstik rubbings and the new Doodles rubbing plates. The bag has inside pockets, and a drawstring closure. Finished height is 11″ and a base that measures 9″ x 14″.

I’ve woven fabric in the past by cutting strips of fabric backed with a fusible, and used the results in collaged art quilts. It’s an easy and a fun way to create all manner of small weavings.

Fabric Weaving Possibilities

One of my favorite creative strategies is to ask: “what would happen if…..” Prompted by the Basket Bag weaving, I wondered what would happen if one of my “stackers” was cut into narrow strips and woven with solid color strips. The first step was to make a Stacker unit, complete with a fusible web backing. Click here to learn about the Stacker technique.

This photo illustrates the weaving process. The vertical strips are cut from fabric backed with fusible web, using a strip of masking tape on the bottom before cutting the strips. The tape is a handy tip from Linda Lindsay that keeps all the vertical strips together. I made several versions, experimenting with width of strips from 1/4” to 1/2”, and different colors of vertical strips.

In this illustration, the weaving takes place against a solid purple batik, which serves as the backing for the woven piece.

My final version has fuschia vertical strips. The woven piece is trimmed and fused to a lime green background which features rubbings with the Doodles rubbing plates. The center is one of my Centerpoint stamps featuring foiling, because I was curious as to “what would happen if” the square became the focal point. Click here for foiling instructions (PDF).

Some years ago, I used the weaving technique with strips of foiled fabric to create this small collaged piece.

On the Road

We’re traveling extensively for the first part of the year, as evidenced by our Feb and March schedule shown below. Stop by to see us, take a class, and check out what’s new — including lots of handmade buttons and jewelry, plus the new Gelli plates.